Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster has bemoaned the passing of West Indian great Joe Solomon, stating that the Berbice native served as an inspiration for generations of emerging cricketers, especially individuals emanating from the Ancient County.
In a brief interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Foster said, “Joe Solomon inspired many players from Berbice, and he had tremendous impact even when retired, as he served the Guyana Cricket Board at one time and I believe the West Indies Cricket Board as well. He was always willing to assist and reach out to players. When I was elected to office prior, he volunteered to meet and talk with players and inspired them. We are saddened at his passing.”
Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Solomon passed away in the USA on Friday. Solomon, who effected the run-out to bring about the historic tied Test, featuring the West Indies and Australia at Brisbane in 1960, was 93.
A right-handed batsman, Solomon donned the West Indian colours in 27 Test matches, in the process scoring 1,326 runs at an average of 34, with an undefeated 100 being his only century. He also recorded nine Test fifties in an international career that spanned 1958–1965.
On the regional side, Solomon appeared in 104 first-class matches, making his debut in 1956 for what was then British Guiana. The Port Mourant native registered 5,318 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 41.54. An unbeaten 201 was the highest score of his eventual 12 centuries, while he also scored 27 fifties.
As a part-time leg spinner, he recorded 51 first-class wickets at 38.23 with a best of 4-28. Following his retirement, Solomon entered the realm of administration, which included the presidency of the Guyana Cricket Board, while he also served as selector for several years. He was also awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement by the Government of Guyana.
Meanwhile, Foster further said, “Only recently was he inducted into the wall of fame at the University of Guyana Tain Campus as one of the 31 players on the wall of fame. It is my hope that his memory will continue to inspire countless generations of young players, especially Berbicians. It’s also my hope that the Berbice will find some way to honour this man in the future.”
